Illinois part of national epidemic, with only 1 in 3 students reading well

By Hannah Schmid

09/19/2024

Student literacy is in trouble nationally, which is why Illinois is one of 35 states where just 1 in 3 – or fewer – of its fourth graders met reading standards in 2022.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson stares down a $1 billion city budget deficit

By Bryce Hill

08/30/2024

Updated budget forecasts show a $982 million shortfall for the upcoming 2025 budget as Chicago grapples with $223 million remaining deficit this year. Mayor Brandon Johnson refuses to rule out property tax hikes.

TAGS: budget, Chicago, property taxes

Pritzker wants to spend record amount but needs $898M in tax hikes to do it

By Bryce Hill

03/01/2024

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s record-setting $52.7 billion 2025 spending plan needs massive tax increases. Tax changes will hurt individuals, businesses and local governments.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

2024 State of the State: Federal rescue is over, so Illinois needs caution

By Bryce Hill

02/20/2024

The pandemic had an upside for Illinois state finances – infusing federal dollars as state revenues exceeded projections. Now federal aid is gone. Illinoisans’ ongoing struggles warrant caution, reform in the state’s fiscal year 2025 budget.

Vallas: Chicago needs tools, transparency for responsible budgeting

By Paul Vallas

09/27/2023

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is continuing the mayoral tradition of giving the City Council and public too little time and too little information before a deficit city budget is passed. There’s little chance that will change soon, but it could be fixed.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, Chicago

Pensions put Illinois’ 2024 budget in red by over $4B

By Bryce Hill

05/27/2023

Illinois state lawmakers shorted pensions by $4.1 billion and killed scholarships for low-income students, but gave themselves pay raises and a new office building. Their budget leaves no room for error as revenue projections drop.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, budget, pensions

Brandon Johnson issues 4 executive orders on 1st day in office

By Dylan Sharkey

05/17/2023

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is starting his administration with four executive orders, expanding youth employment and adding three new deputy mayors for immigration, labor and community safety.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

Illinois’ revenue volatility among highest in U.S., threatens budget stability

By Justin Carlson

05/17/2023

Illinois just saw a $1.76 billion drop in state income tax collections, proving what a new study just showed: state tax policies give it the nation’s eighth-most volatile revenues. That also makes Illinois very vulnerable when a recession hits.

Pritzker proposes $440 million for young child initiatives

By Dylan Sharkey

02/15/2023

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants to spend $440 million for universal preschool and other initiatives for low-income young children. But shouldn’t Illinois pay its old bills before taking on new expenses?

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Illinois Forward 2024: A sustainable state budget plan

By Bryce Hill

02/14/2023

After years of enhanced revenue from federal aid, a return to the basic principles of budgeting can put Illinois on the path to long-term financial stability

United States Office of Management and Budget

Illinois part of national epidemic, with only 1 in 3 students reading well

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson stares down a $1 billion city budget deficit

Pritzker wants to spend record amount but needs $898M in tax hikes to do it

2024 State of the State: Federal rescue is over, so Illinois needs caution

Vallas: Chicago needs tools, transparency for responsible budgeting

Pensions put Illinois’ 2024 budget in red by over $4B

Brandon Johnson issues 4 executive orders on 1st day in office

Illinois’ revenue volatility among highest in U.S., threatens budget stability

Pritzker proposes $440 million for young child initiatives

Illinois Forward 2024: A sustainable state budget plan

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students